IRVINE, CA (June 23, 2014): On June 28, 2014, the Irvine Disaster Emergency Communication’s (IDEC) group will join thousands of Amateur Radio operators around the world, to show off their capabilities to respond during a major disaster.

These ham radio operators provide critical communications in towns across the United States and world-wide during unexpected emergencies, such as wildfires, winter storms and devastating tornadoes.

On Saturday, June 28, the public is invited to meet and talk with IDEC ham radio operators and see for themselves what the Amateur Radio Service is all about. Visitors and members of the community will get a chance to have a hands-on experience utilizing ham radios to talk with participants across the United States. IDEC members will be demonstrating the newest digital and satellite capabilities, voice communications and even historical Morse code. IDEC members will also provide helpful information on how to get an FCC radio license.

This annual event, called “Field Day“, is the culmination of the week long “Amateur Radio Week” sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League, (ARRL) a national association for Amateur Radio. This year’s event will once again be held at Rattlesnake Reservoir located at 4705 Portola Parkway in Irvine. The area is located between Jeffrey Road and Orchard Hills behind Orange County Fire Station 55.

Ham radio operators across the United States will be holding similar events to demonstrate emergency communications abilities. More than 30,000 amateur radio operators participated in last year’s event.

Join us for this fun and informative afternoon, Saturday June 28, 2014 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

For more details and a map of the event location please visit our event at Facebook http://bit.ly/IPDevents

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 242,651, spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.